@Henry Yang besides, we are compare the President and(Republic controlled) Congress, not congress members in two parties. Obama got 3 times more support! Is there any doubt?
Over the past four years, Congress' approval ratings have been among the lowest Gallup has measured. Part of this may be attributed to the divided control of Congress, with neither party controlling both the House and Senate -- thus leaving both Republicans and Democrats with divided sentiments when asked to rate Congress as a whole. However, in January, when newly elected Republican senators are sworn in and Republicans begin controlling both houses of Congress, approval may increase as Americans who identify as Republicans become more positive. This has happened in the past, with Republican approval of Congress surging in 1995 and Democratic approval increasing in 2007.
@Henry Yang you are right, historical speaking, it suck! It reflect on general public attitude to Washington, but remember, 40% is twice of 19% as tony pointed out